Fentanyl is an opioid, a prescription painkiller designed for the treatment of intense pain. People with a variety of pain problems can safely use fentanyl under a doctor’s care. But if that use changes to higher doses, recreational use, or more frequent dosing than prescribed, you can suffer a severe opioid addiction. So what is fentanyl, and how do you end your addiction to it?
What is Fentanyl?
As previously said, fentanyl is an opioid painkiller. It is similar to other opioids, namely oxycodone, and hydrocodone. But fentanyl is among the most addictive of prescription drugs, so many people find themselves suffering physical or psychological dependence quickly. That happens whether you use it under a doctor’s prescription or from purchasing it on the street.
Fentanyl comes in many forms. In fact, it is one of the most diverse of painkillers, when it comes to how you can use it. Doctors prescribe it in transdermal patches, dissolving tablets for under your tongue, nasal spray, lozenges, dissolvable film strips, and an injectable liquid.
One of the signs that you suffer fentanyl addiction is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. This withdrawal comes from physical dependence after you started increasing your dose amounts or frequency because of tolerance. Maybe you also find yourself wanting to quit, but not being able to do so. Or you try to stop, only to fail and return to the drug despite knowing it damages your life.
No matter how or why you suffer addiction to fentanyl, you need help from a licensed opioid addiction treatment center. Through the right support, you can gain recovery and rebuild your life.
Why Do People Use Fentanyl?
When it comes to prescription use under a doctor’s care, what is fentanyl used for? In relation to its abuse, what is fentanyl used for? Overall, why do people keep going back to the drug again and again, and why do doctors keep prescribing it?
Doctors prescribe fentanyl as they do other prescription painkillers, for people recovering from surgery or injuries. They also sometimes use these painkillers for diseases and painful symptoms related to those, such as cancers. Other people need help with intense chronic pain that disrupts daily living, for some hope of a normal life. Doctors usually have good intentions when prescribing the medication, but this does not change the fact that it is highly addictive.
People abuse fentanyl from their prescription, someone else’s supply, street purchases, or through fraudulent means because the drug makes them feel good. It brings a sedating, pleasant high. You feel euphoric and numb to emotions or feelings. Many people with mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, sedate themselves using prescription painkillers like fentanyl.
What is Fentanyl Treatment Like?
So, if you suffer addiction to the drug, what is fentanyl treatment like? What types of programs and therapies do you need?
Anyone suffering addiction must learn why they turned to substance abuse in the first place. They also need coping skills and relapse prevention skills, to avoid falling back into substance abuse because of triggers or temptations. You need support and help for mental health problems, too. All of this care takes place at a quality addiction treatment center in Memphis.
Programs and therapies important for your recovery include:
- Residential rehab, PHP, and IOP programs
- Adolescent and adult treatment
- Dual diagnosis and trauma therapy
- Six months of aftercare
- Art therapy and music therapy
- Family programs
Ask yourself the question of what is fentanyl to you? If you need fentanyl to function normally beyond real chronic pain relief, you likely suffer addiction. Talk to the caring counselors at Memphis Recovery now at 901-272-7751. Learn more about your fentanyl addiction and the treatment you need for a better life.
